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Govt's chief archaeologist 'has no excavation experience'

Serious questions have reportedly emerged about the qualifications of the Government's chief archaeologist.

Reports this morning said Brian Duffy, who advised the Government on matters such as the controversial Tara motorway scheme, got the job in July 2003 ahead of candidates with superior qualifications and experience.

The reports said Mr Duffy had a general BA degree in archaeology and had no track record of archaeological excavations or publications.

The latest revelation follows the recent controversy surrounding the Government's chief science adviser, who was moved to another job when it emerged that he received his PhD from a US university known to sell such qualifications over the internet.